Canon EOS-3 35mm Film Camera

Now roughly ten years since its introduction, I keep wondering if Canon will be updating the EOS-3 sometime soon. It's an excellent camera and has the potential to be much more. On the other hand, everyone's emphasis seems to be on digital SLRs now, so the old film cameras may not see a lot of updating.

For about two years I've been using two EOS-3 with PB-E2 Power Boosters, twelve Canon lenses, three 550EX, ST-E2 and a number of other accessories. Only once in that time have I had one camera go into a lockup mode, which I've heard sometimes happens as batteries get low. Turning the camera off and then back on - after making sure battery contacts were solid - did the trick and all was well.

In addition to EOS-3, I have used a wide variety of 35mm, medium and large format cameras, and the newer EOS-7 model. I am a professional photographer doing wildlife, scenic, macro, portraiture and even the occasional wedding.

These cameras do eat batteries! I'm glad I use the PB-E2 which adds weight, but allows the use of standard AA batteries (8), which can be bought in bulk for around 50 cents apiece. Frequent activation of autofocus and/or image stabilization are the prime culprits of short battery life.

I would expect the next generation of "3", should there be one, to be smaller and lighter weight. The camera is pretty big. Adding the power booster may seem crazy, but, besides the AA battery factor, it also gives a full set of vertical controls, adds an anchor for a handstrap which I use and, speeds up the drive, when needed. I use single frame mode probably 90% of the time, though.

The EOS-3 is a fine piece of professional grade equipment. It is complicated. If you are like me, you will likely not use all, maybe not even half, of it's features. But, it is designed to cover a wide range of applications. The manual is large, but well-written and required reading before you can hope to get good use out of this equipment. At one point, I think I counted 18 buttons and dials on the of the EOS-3/PB-E2, many of which have multiple functions or can be customized to meet your needs.

This camera is a rock solid platform for a wide selection of excellent Canon lenses. After all, lenses are what it is all about... the heart of any camera system. The body just serves as a way to use those lenses.

With the exception of two tilt/shift lenses, I have only used USM lenses, ranging from 17mm to 500mm. USM allows immediate manual focusing at all times (IMHO, even as good as AF is, knowing when to override it is a key skill for any photographer). However, non-USM lenses are also noisy and slower to focus, less convenient to use. So, I don't.

Three of my telephoto lenses are image stabilized and that is one of the biggest advances in photography since roll film, as far as I'm concerned. It was a prime consideration for me, leaving no real choice but Canon.

Canon's L series lenses are premium glass, some simply set the standard for the industry, as far as I am concerned. I have only been disappointed by certain of the wide angle lenses, but then I am quite demanding, too. Low-cost, entry level lenses are pretty cheaply made, but the ones I've tried out have been surprisingly good optically.

I comparison shopped for nearly a year before finally buying the EOS-3s and lenses. It replaced a system I'd used for 25 years. My method of shopping was to begin by looking at how I used my cameras and at what I truly needed in a system, Only then did I begin to for equipment that filled those needs. Since putting the EOS-3 to work, some unexpected needs came up, and the cameras (and photographer) were well up to meeting them! Whew!

Would I buy them again? Definitely yes!

Would I buy a more expensive 1V-HS? It's a fine camera! But, probably not, although I'd like to have the image information capabilities of that camera. For me, that's not enough to justify the additional expense.

Would I buy a less expensive EOS-7? Yes, as a backup for the 3s, it is excellent and I occasionally borrow one from a friend. I wouldn't buy the 7E (Eye control) version... it's just not for me (might be for you, though... try it before you decide). If the EOS-3 is too much camera, the EOS-7 is almost as capable, costs quite a bit less, is somewhat smaller and weighs less, even with BP300 Battery Pack in place. The only aspect of the EOS-7 that doesn't live up to my needs is TTL flash exposure, which I feel the EOS-3 does better. I use flash heavily, which is one major reason I stick with the "3s".

What should Canon fix if they update the EOS-3?

First, the eyecup falls off to easily... I've bought four replacements for two cameras in under two years!

Next, put a latch on the door at the grip, which covers the Custom Function button, etc... when carrying the camera on a shoulder strap, the spring-loaded door is too easily caught on a pant leg, or whatever, frequently snapping open and closed! At first, I tried putting my own Velcro latch in there. However, I ended up putting handstraps (E1) on both cameras, simply because I've been in the habit of using them on various other camera for many, many years. I was happy to see they solved the "snapping door" problem, too! I know it sounds silly, but that door can be really, really bothersome!

Come up with better caps for the cable switch and flash sync ports! I have replaced the former five or six times! Haven't yet lost any of the a latter, yet... I must admit. Bet I do, though!

Mirror lockup feature is a custom function on the EOS-3. There are probably many people who don't use this feature, but those of us who do, who swear by it, think it should be a lot more accessible! Oh well... at least the camera has it! (As do the other Canon's, except for the Rebel, I think)

Oh, and keep fine tuning those wide angle lenses!